Published July 18, 2023 | Version v1
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Ecocriminological analysis of brine in aquatic ecosystems: impacts on Posidonia oceanica and the search for restorative justice solutions

Authors/Creators

  • 1. Universitat Jaume I
  • 2. Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Description

The consumption of fresh water has generated an additional problem in certain territories, along with the consequences derived from global warming. This has meant that, in the most vulnerable areas, such as the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean, alternative supply systems have been established: desalination plants. However, the ecological impact of these infrastructures is of great intensity, mainly affecting aquatic ecosystems. In the light of the above, this paper addresses the ecological harm caused by desalination and brine discharges on a protected and priority species, Posidonia oceanica. For this, and taking as ethical-legal foundation the theory of ecological justice, a multilevel analysis will be carried out from ecocriminology on the impacts of this authorized practice on Posidonia and other species. Finally, a view from restorative justice will allow us to understand and envision possible solutions to this ecological harm.

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Additional details

Funding

European Commission
OCN - Ocean Crime Narratives: A polyhedral assessment of hegemonic discourse on environmental crime and harm at sea (1982-present) 101043711

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